The VIBE inside Chantecler 2.0, again from the ashes in Bloorcourt Village
Serving up French fare, with out the frills, and an eclectic VIBE.
For these of you who haven’t been following alongside on their gut-wrenching journey, Chantecler first opened its doorways again in 2012 on Queen West, by Jonathan Poon (serial restauranteur) and Jacob Wharton-Shukster (of Le Phénix). In 2016, Poon left Chantecler and opened up a lineup of latest eating places together with Favorites Thai, Superpoint and Paris Paris. Quick ahead to November 2019, and Chantecler burned down in a three-alarm hearth. Earlier than the fireplace, WS had already set sight on the house subsequent door to increase and open up a butcher, in mid-2019. In January 2020, WS went on to open what was supposed to be a 6-month pop-up simply steps away from the place the restaurant was, known as Le Phénix, which fairly actually, rose from the ashes. The pop-up ran till the tip of 2022. This led him to create the newly constructed Chantecler 2.0, which has a house within the Bloorcourt Village space off Bloor St. W., simply east of Dufferin St.
What’s on the menu at Chantecler 2.0, in Bloorcourt Village?
For these of you questioning, don’t worry, they haven’t strayed from French-Canadian fare. Chantecler 2.0 continues to be serving up all of its beloved go-to dishes, similar to beef tartare and scrumptious recent oysters they as soon as served earlier than their smouldering demise. Not fairly the precise menu from the unique Chantecler, nor Le Phénix, however preserving true to it whereas complimenting a few of their classics with a brand new number of massive and small plates that may excite your tastebuds.
The Eats
Not precisely your conventional French fare, but it surely by no means was. They’ve taken a tasteful strategy to French-Canadian eats. French with out the frills, is how I’d put it.
To begin, I extremely suggest the Brioche à Tête, coated in a rosemary glaze and paired with a mouth-watering herb butter they’ve all the time been identified for. The Brioche is made completely for pulling a component, which makes it tremendous straightforward to separate and share (or not). Served heat, which makes for a simple smothering of the scrumptious whipped herb butter. I’m salivating simply excited about it. We paired the Brioche with their Marinated Olives, which have been scrumptious and served heat. I assumed they’d be served chilled or room temp, however was pleasantly shocked that they have been heat (bonus factors).
The Brioche à Tête, with rosemary glaze, paired with a facet of whipped herb butter, on the new Chantecler 2.0 in Bloorcourt Village. (Picture: Steven Branco)
A half dozen East coast oysters, 3 shrimp cocktail, and the Brioche à Tête, with rosemary glaze, paired with a facet of whipped herb butter, on the new Chantecler 2.0 in Bloorcourt Village. (Picture: Steven Branco)
The nice and cozy marinated olives, at Chantecler 2.0. (Picture: Steven Branco)
A glass of orange wine, of their branded wine glasses, alongside facet the half dozen East coast oysters and shrimp cocktai. (Picture: Steven Branco)
In addition they have fairly an array of choice small plates to select from. We could have overdone it and will barely get by means of our massive plates later, however I’m not complaining (which allowed for leftovers that may make for the right lunch at present–rating). They provide a number of West or East Coast Oysters, which they’re identified for, Shrimp Cocktails, Marinated Mussels, Snow Crab Legs, Fries, and a lot extra.
I positively needed to attempt the French Onion Soup (IYKYK I’m obsessed), and it didn’t disappoint. Though I used to be drooling over the considered their Seared Cabbage and Mussels, we went with the Braised Leeks & Shrimp they usually have been most likely our favorite chew of the night time. However I’ll positively be again for the mussels quickly sufficient. Nevertheless, it wouldn’t be a go to to Chantecler with out having the Steak Tartare, not solely was it scrumptious, however the bread slices that got here with it are DIVINE. It’s vital dish!
The French onion soup served pipping sizzling, ooey, gooey and scrumptious… most likely one of the crucial flavourful I’ve had within the metropolis. Though I sort of want there was rather less bread, and a bit of extra broth, however I’d order it once more nonetheless. (Picture: Steven Branco)
Braised leek and shrimp dish at Chantecler. (Picture: Steven Branco)
Steak Tartare with a facet of delicous bread, at Chantecler. (Picture: Steven Branco)
As I discussed, we have been stuffed from the primary couple of programs so fortunately we solely ordered two massive plates for the three of us, and it was greater than sufficient. We tried each the Half Sea Bream and the namesake Half Roast & Ballotine of Chantecler Rooster (a heritage breed of Rooster that’s native to Canada) they usually have been so good. These dishes left me wishing I hadn’t gorged a lot on the bread and starters. I’d actually come again for Sea Bream alone, and the charred veggies and mushrooms are the right sides. The Chantecler Rooster was completely cooked, and creatively plated, however not for the faint of coronary heart — if what I imply.
A pair massive plate menu choices (left Sea Bream, center, Chantecler Rooster, and proper, Charred Greens) and a pair sides, on the new Chantecler 2.0. (Picture: Steven Branco)
The Half Sea Bream (additionally accessible complete), on the new Chantecler 2.0. (Picture: Steven Branco)
The Roasted Mushrooms), on the new Chantecler 2.0. (Picture: Steven Branco)
The Charred Greens at Chantecler 2.0 menu in Bloorcourt Village. (Picture: Steven Branco)
On the higher proper, theres a half portion of the namesake Roasted and Ballotine of Chantecler Rooster, on the menu at Chantecler 2.0. (Picture: Steven Branco)
Don’t overlook dessert…
However be sure to go away some room for dessert. Restricted choices however none of them disappoint. Our favorite was the Spiced Cake topped with parsnip-flavoured ice cream. The cake is heat making it the right mixture.
The drinks
Though not pictured, they’ve an excellent number of cocktails, rigorously crafted. Vital is the espresso martini and their inventory of many wines by the glass and bottle. We tried certainly one of their orange skin-contact wines, and it was crisp and scrumptious. I want to return to attempt extra of the cocktails quickly.
The seems to be
Should you ever made it out to the unique Chantecler or Le Phénix, that WS has a knack for creating an ideal neighbourhood vibe. Chantecler 2.0 doesn’t disappoint. He elevated it, with the right contact of classiness, including a enjoyable eclectic vibe, and creating an ‘instaworthy’ backdrop in your expertise.
The VIBE
Not pretentious, or stuffy, simply cozy and welcoming vibes right here. Good for smaller birthdays, an evening out, and even enterprise dinners.
Location: 798 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M6G 1L9
Contact: 416.628.3586, Web site
Neighborhood: Bloorcourt Village
Crowd/VIBE: Blended, Date Evening, Birthdays, Enterprise
Supply: Not accessible
Reservations: Sevenrooms.com
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